Ash generation options for accelerated testing of marine diesel particulate filters: Technical Paper 138

Particulate matter (PM) emissions, comprising black carbon (BC), organic fraction and sulfates, pose significant health risks, and the shipping sector substantially contributes to the PM levels, especially in coastal cities. Notably, air pollution remains the main environmental cause of premature deaths.
Additionally to the health risks, BC emissions from shipping strengthen the global warming effects through deposition of BC on ice and snow. Practically, north of 70° latitude, shipping is the predominant source of BC emissions. The role of ship emissions is also increasing with the anticipated rise in commercial shipping, particularly in the Arctic. Since 2011, the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) has worked on BC emissions from shipping.
Diesel particulate filters (DPF) effectively reduce BC and PM emissions. Although DPF technology is well-established for vehicles and non-road mobile machinery, its adoption for marine diesel engines presents unique challenges related to the properties of marine fuels and engine oils (sulfur content,
ash), and the regeneration process of the DPF. Ash plays a crucial role, as soot can be removed from the DPF through regeneration, but the accumulated ash cannot be cleaned simultaneously.
To develop and verify the performance of marine DPFs, an accelerated ash accumulation method is necessary. We investigated four different ash generation methods: 1) a burner type ash generator, 2) a modern diesel engine, 3) a robust diesel generator, and 4) injection of high-ash engine oil into the engine’s intake air. Additionally, we refined a methodology to screen the ash content of engine
exhaust.